Hat stretcher



y 1955 E. J. DOMBROWSKI 2,713,444

HAT STRETCHER Filed May 11, 1954 Eugene Joseph Dombrowski INVENTOR.

WF EM United States Patent HAT STRETCHER Eugene Joseph Domlrrowski, Chicago, Ill.

Application May 11, 1954, Serial No. 428,893

4 Claims. (Ci. 223-25) The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in stretchers or forms for sailors white hats, and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a device of this character which will reshape such hats after laundering and prevent shrinking thereof.

Another very important object of the invention is to provide a hat stretcher of the aforementioned character which may be expeditiously adjusted to accommodate hats of various sizes.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a hat stretcher of the character described which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, compact, light in weight and which may be manufactured at low cost.

All of theforegoing and still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hat stretcher constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a View in vertical section through the device, taken substantially on the line 2--2 of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a detail view in horizontal section through the adjusting means.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that reference character 5 designates generally a split ring of suitable resilient material. In the embodiment which has been illustrated, the ring 5 is substantially lano-concave in cross-section. Of course, the ring 5 may be of any desired dimensions.

One end portion of the split ring 5 has formed therein a series of circumferentially spaced openings or sockets 6. Hingedly mounted at 7 on the other end of the split ring 5 is an arcuate connecting plate 8. The plate 8 is provided on its free end with a lug or head 9 which is engageable selectively in the sockets 6 for adjustably and detachably connecting the ends of the ring 5.

The ring 5 is further provided, in its inner periphery, with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings or sockets 10. Removably and pivotally mounted on the ring 5 is a substantially dome-shaped frame 11 which is engageable in the crown 12 of the hat, as at 13.

The frame 11 includes a pair of crossed, resilient, substantially U-shaped non-rusting wire or plastic rods 14 and 15 which terminate in out-turned end portions or trunnions 16 which are engageable in the sockets for mounting the frame 11 on the ring 5. Of course, the members 14 and are resilient. The member 14 includes a reversely bowed intermediate portion or indeutation 17 which accommodates the member 15.

It is thought that the manner in which the device is used will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. Briefly, the laundered hat 13, while still wet, is turned inside out, and the split, resilient ring 5 ice is inserted in the band portion 18 thereof, the frame 11 extending into the crown 12. The ring 5 is then expanded as may be necessary and the adjustment is secured by engaging the head 9 in the correct socket 6. After the hat has dried, the device may be removed therefrom by reversing the foregoing operation. That hat is then turned right side out and, if desired, the device may be reinserted to maintain the shape of the hat while it is not in use. The adjustability of the expansible and contractible ring 5 permits the device to be readily used in hats of different sizes. If desired, the frame 11 may be expeditiously removed from the ring 5 for storage. Or, the members 14 and 15 comprising the frame 11 may be conveniently swung downwardly into the ring 5. The

.- concave outer periphery of the ring 5 prevents the hat from slipping therefrom.

it is believed that the many advantages of a hat stretcher constructed in accordance with the present invention will be readily understood, and although a preferred embodiment of the device is as illustrated and described, it is to be understood that changes in the details of construction may be resorted to which will fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. A hat stretcher comprising: a split, resilient, expansible ring insertable circumferentially in the band portion of a hat, means for releasably securing the ring in expanded position in the hat, and a resilient frame on the ring engageable in the crown of the hat for shaping same, said ring having a plurality of spaced sockets in one end portion, said means including a plate hingedly mounted on the other end of the ring, and a head on said plate engageable selectively in the sockets.

2. A hat stretcher comprising: a split, resilient, expansible ring insertable circumferentially in the band portion of a hat, means for releasably securing the ring in expanded position in the hat, and a resilient frame on the ring engageable in the crown of the hat for shaping same, said frame including a pair of crossed, substantially U- shaped resilient rods having their end portions journaled in the ring.

3. A hat stretcher comprising: a split, resilient, expansible ring insertable circumferentially in the band portion of a hat, means for releasably securing the ring in expanded position in the hat, and a frame on the ring engageable in the crown of the hat for shaping same, said frame including a pair of crossed, substantially U- shaped resilient rods having their end portions journaled in the ring, one of said rods having an indentation at an intermediate point for the reception of the other of said rods.

4. A hat stretcher comprising: a split, resilient, expansible ring insertable circumferentially in the band portion of a hat, said ring having a plurality of circum ferentially spaced sockets in one end portion, a plate hingedly mounted on the other end of the ring, a head on the free end portion of said plate engageable selectively in the sockets for releasably securing the ring in expanded position in the hat, and a substantially domeshaped frame mounted on the ring and engageable in the crown of the hat, said frame including a pair of crossed, substantially U-shaped resilient rods terminating in outturned end portions journaled in the ring.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Moebes Oct. 5, 1948 

